Electric vehicles are helping transportation become greener, but they aren’t driving the change. The transformation requires foresight. Support from public and private stakeholders in the form of funding and infrastructure planning is vital.

Earlier this month, the city of Chicago released a plan that outlines the city’s strategy to expand its EV charging infrastructure. The city is now welcoming public feedback on the plan.

“Chicago Moves Electric Framework Plan” was released in a joint announcement between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Transportation. It outlines four key goals.

1. Ensure equity in expanding the city’s EV charging infrastructure so residents who have less access to green transportation solutions will benefit.
2. Encourage adoption of green transportation solutions by residents and people who travel in Chicago to reduce the city’s emissions and improve its air quality.
3. Support “multimodal integration” between the infrastructure for EVs and other forms of e-mobility with public transit, biking and walking.
4. Address “critical gaps” in access to EV and e-mobility infrastructure that are not adequately addressed by the market.

   According to Johnson and the Department of Transportation, Chicago currently has more than 860 public EV charging locations and over 4,800 charging ports citywide. Much of that infrastructure is concentrated in and around downtown. Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of the city have much less access.

At the same time, demand is on the rise. The number of registered EVs in the city has surpassed 20,000 and continues to grow at a consistent pace.

The plan provides a guide for addressing these infrastructure gaps and ensuring all communities have access to the benefits of low-emission transportation. The formal public comment period for the draft Framework Plan ends on May 18, 2025. Residents can view the plan and submit comments online